A RESTORED rail link between to Oxford, more affordable housing and a new nightclub venue were just some of the aspirations put forward by Witney residents at the first meeting on the creation of a community-led plan for the town.

Organised by volunteer group Witney Vision, the process aims to put people in the driving seat when it comes to shaping the Witney's future.

When completed, it is hoped the plan can be used to influence the council decisions on development in the area.

Kat Quigley, of Madley Park, is working in communications for Witney Vision, which wants to make sure the town can maximise benefits from housebuilding in the area.

She said: “There is now a great opportunity for residents to get involved, from people jotting down some thoughts on what they would like to see all the way up to people with time on their hands to play a more direct role.

“This is about the community coming together and using the strengths it has to create a vision for the future which is actionable.”

More than 100 people turned up to the first community-led plan meeting in the Corn Exchange last week, where they were asked to identify changes they would like to see in Witney.

Noting what they liked about the town, the group said it was happy with free parking, good quality shops, a low crime rate and a good sense of community spirit.

Conversely, residents said they did not like congestion on the A40, potholes and Witney’s lack of a theatre venue.

Outlining what they would like to see in Witney’s future, residents mentioned a rail link between Witney and Oxford, higher levels of affordable housing in new developments, more environmental and green activities, and extra town venues like a theatre and nightclub.

Deborah Robson-Grey, of Welsh Way, attended represent the homeless support group she founded, Homes4All. She said the plan needed to ensure it had input from all sides of the community.

She said: "We definitely feel a community-led plan is a starting point. But if we are talking about being able to steer or have any real input then a lot more effort needs to be placed in including all those living, working and learning in and around Witney.

"I spoke to many people who have businesses, who work or have left universities and they did not know about this meeting. So social media is the platform we need to be on, engaging with our younger generations.

"The meeting reflected a few individual's issues, but this is about the future of Witney, so we need to seek wisdom from our peers, and knowledge from those who are affected by issues faced by those who are less able or affected by housing issues."

Margaret Hamm, of Witney Dramatic Society, came to the meeting to raise the issue of the town's lacking of a theatre venue. The Corn Exchange itself had previously been used for theatrical productions.

She said: “We need a theatre. I’ve been here for 40 years and when I first came there was a theatre, and the community used to come together for such wonderful pantomimes and musicals.

“If professionals want to come and stage something now there’s nowhere for them to perform.”

Over the coming weeks and months, Witney Vision will look to form a group tasked with putting the plan together.

The groups actions will be supported by Witney Town Council, who may use the community-led plan to inform the future creation of a neighbourhood plan, which allocates areas for sustainable development.

To get involved with the community led plan visit bit.ly/2m3tIre. Follow Witney Vision on Twitter @Witney_Vision or email the group via witney_vision@outlook.com